Finding the right Fantasy Football Week 18 waiver wire targets can make or break your season. With injuries, breakout performances, and shifting depth charts after Week 17, the waiver wire is packed with must-add players who can give your roster an edge. Whether you’re looking for a running back to replace an injured starter, a wide receiver with breakout potential, or a quarterback stream for Week 18, we’ve got you covered with the top waiver wire pickups you need to prioritize.
Malik Davis, RB (DAL)
Rostered: 2%
Malik Davis has rapidly become one of the most intriguing waiver wire additions in fantasy football after Javonte Williams suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter of Dallas’ Week 17 win over Washington and failed to return. Davis immediately stepped into a workhorse role, handling a team-high 20 carries and turning them into 102 rushing yards while averaging over 5.0 yards per attempt. While he failed to convert his two targets in the passing game, his decisiveness and efficiency as a runner were evident, particularly between the tackles. Dallas leaned on Davis heavily in neutral and positive game script, a strong signal that the coaching staff trusts him with volume if Williams is unavailable.
With the Cowboys officially eliminated from playoff contention, there is little incentive for Dallas to rush Williams back, especially given that he had also been managing a neck injury earlier in the month. That scenario puts Davis in line for another massive workload in Week 18 against the Giants, a defense that has allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing running backs this season. Since Week 11, Davis has quietly averaged 5.0 yards per carry on limited usage, showing efficiency even when operating behind a struggling offensive line.
For fantasy football managers playing into Week 18 finals, Davis profiles as a high-upside waiver wire target with RB2 potential. His value is almost entirely volume-driven, but in fantasy football, guaranteed touches often outweigh talent concerns. If he draws another 18–22 touch workload, Davis could easily deliver league-winning production in a premium matchup.
Emanuel Wilson, RB (GB)
Rostered: 36%
Emanuel Wilson is shaping up as one of the most important waiver wire stashes in fantasy heading into Week 18, largely due to Green Bay’s playoff situation. The Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC, meaning they have nothing to gain in the regular-season finale. That reality puts Josh Jacobs’ status firmly in question, especially with the veteran back playing through knee and ankle injuries and showing declining efficiency over the past several weeks. If Jacobs is rested, Wilson would be the clear beneficiary.
Wilson has already demonstrated that he can handle a featured workload when called upon. Earlier this season against Minnesota, he carried the ball 28 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns, dominating the Vikings’ run defense. Minnesota has faced more rushing attempts by opposing running backs than any team in the league, making this an ideal matchup for volume-based fantasy production. Wilson’s snap share has also been trending upward, and even in Week 17, he nearly matched Jacobs in carries despite playing fewer snaps overall.
For fantasy managers still alive in championship formats, Wilson represents a high-leverage waiver wire add. His value is directly tied to Jacobs’ availability, but the upside is undeniable if Green Bay opts to rest starters. In that scenario, Wilson would project as a low-end RB2 or strong flex option based purely on projected workload. Given the matchup and game environment, Wilson is a priority speculative add with legitimate upside.
Tyler Shough, QB (NO)
Rostered: 21%
Tyler Shough has quietly emerged as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in fantasy football over the second half of the season. Despite a slow start in Week 17 against Tennessee, Shough settled in and finished with 333 passing yards and two touchdowns, marking his second consecutive 300-yard outing. More importantly, this performance extended a remarkable stretch of consistency, as Shough has now scored at least 17 fantasy points in five straight games.
Since Week 13, Shough has averaged over 22 PPR points per game, posting an impressive 8:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio while contributing nearly 24 rushing yards per contest. That rushing floor is what truly elevates his fantasy value, giving him insulation against down weeks through the air. He has also shown improved pocket awareness and willingness to push the ball downfield, which has resulted in multiple explosive plays over the last month.
Shough draws a favorable Week 18 matchup against Atlanta in the controlled environment of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons rank squarely in the middle of the league in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, making this a neutral but safe streaming spot. For fantasy football managers in need of a quarterback, Shough stands out as the top waiver wire option due to his consistency, rushing upside, and offensive stability. He profiles as a strong QB1 streamer with top-12 upside in the season finale..Â
Parker Washington, WR (JAC)
Rostered: 37%
Parker Washington has cemented himself as one of the hottest waiver wire additions in fantasy football after back-to-back breakout performances in Jacksonville’s passing attack. Over the last two weeks, Washington has emerged as Trevor Lawrence’s most trusted target, hauling in 14 receptions for 260 yards and a touchdown. In Week 17 alone, he caught eight of 10 targets for 115 yards against Indianapolis, leading the Jaguars in both targets and receiving yards for the second consecutive game.
Washington’s rise is especially notable given the presence of other capable pass catchers. However, Washington has consistently separated underneath and in intermediate areas of the field, earning high-percentage targets that translate well to PPR formats. Over his last five games, he is averaging 82 receiving yards and 15.1 PPR points per contest, numbers that firmly place him in WR2 territory.
He now draws a highly favorable Week 18 matchup against a Tennessee secondary that has allowed top-10 fantasy production to opposing wide receivers. The Titans recently surrendered 119 yards and a touchdown to Chris Olave, further highlighting their vulnerability. Fantasy managers should prioritize Washington on the waiver wire, as his role, recent production, and matchup combine for both a strong floor and upside. He is a legitimate starting option in championship lineups.
Colston Loveland, TE (CHI)
Rostered: 48%
Colston Loveland continues to provide dependable production, making him one of the safer waiver wire tight ends in fantasy football. The rookie has recorded at least three receptions in 11 straight games, a rare level of consistency at the position. His target volume has also stabilized, as Loveland has seen five or more targets in five consecutive contests. That steady usage gives him a reliable weekly floor in PPR formats.
Loveland flashed his ceiling in Week 17, turning six receptions into 94 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers. With Rome Odunze sidelined by a foot injury, Loveland has benefited from an expanded role in the Bears’ passing attack, frequently operating as the second option behind DJ Moore. While Chicago remains a run-first team, the lack of established pass catchers behind Moore keeps Loveland involved regardless of game script.
In Week 18, Loveland faces a Lions defense that has been decimated by injuries in the secondary. That matchup raises his touchdown upside and overall ceiling. Fantasy managers who need stability at tight end should view Loveland as a priority waiver wire add. His consistent target share and favorable matchup make him a strong bet for top-10 production at a notoriously volatile position.
Audric Estime, RB (NO)
Rostered: 29%
Audric Estime re-established himself as the Saints’ lead running back in Week 17, re-entering the fantasy football waiver wire conversation in a big way. After a confusing Week 16 in which Taysom Hill dominated touches, Estime handled 79% of the running back snaps against Tennessee, logging 14 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown. He also contributed in the passing game, catching his lone target, while Hill was limited to just three rushing attempts.
This usage suggests New Orleans is leaning back toward Estime as its primary early-down option, especially with Devin Neal out for the season. While Saints head coach Kellen Moore has shown a willingness to shuffle backfield roles, Estime’s efficiency and snap share in Week 17 make him the safest fantasy option in this backfield. His north-south running style has translated well behind an improving offensive line.
Estime now draws a Week 18 matchup against an inconsistent Falcons defense, giving him RB2 value based on volume alone. Fantasy managers should view Estime as a strong waiver wire add with a high floor and touchdown upside. While uncertainty remains, Estime’s role currently points to another productive outing if usage holds.
Luther Burden, WR (CHI)
Rostered: 23%
Luther Burden has finally delivered on his breakout potential, making him one of the most exciting waiver wire additions in fantasy football late in the season. Over his last four games, Burden has posted 22 catches for 322 yards on 28 targets, demonstrating both efficiency and consistent involvement. His Week 17 performance against the 49ers was a statement, as he erupted for eight catches, 138 yards, and a touchdown, finishing with nearly 28 fantasy points.
Burden’s late-season surge coincides with Rome Odunze’s continued absence, allowing Burden to step into a featured role alongside DJ Moore. He has seen at least four targets in four straight games and has scored double-digit fantasy points in three consecutive contests. However, his status for Week 18 bears monitoring after he exited the Week 17 game with a quad injury. Early reports suggest the injury is not severe, but workload limitations remain possible.
If Burden suits up, he draws a dream matchup against a Lions defense that allows the second-most PPR points to wide receivers. Fantasy managers should closely monitor injury reports, but Burden remains a high-upside waiver wire add with WR2 potential. His recent volume and explosiveness give him league-winning upside if active.
Michael Mayer, TE (LV)
Rostered: 12%
Michael Mayer immediately stepped into fantasy relevance after Brock Bowers was placed on injured reserve, making him a prime waiver wire target in fantasy football. In Week 17, Mayer dominated the Raiders’ passing game, catching nine of 10 targets for 89 yards and finishing with nearly 18 fantasy points. He led the team in receptions, yards, and targets, establishing himself as the clear focal point of the offense.
Las Vegas lacks a true WR1, with Tre Tucker averaging fewer than 30 yards per game over the past six weeks. That lack of competition positions Mayer as the Raiders’ most reliable receiving option, particularly in the short and intermediate areas of the field. His route participation and target share should remain strong heading into Week 18, even in a tougher matchup against Kansas City.
While the Chiefs allow the seventh-fewest PPR points to tight ends, Mayer’s projected volume gives him a safe floor. Fantasy managers dealing with tight end injuries should prioritize Mayer on the waiver wire. His role alone places him firmly in the top-12 discussion at the position, making him a reliable starter in championship formats.
Malik Willis, QB (GB)
Rostered: 2%
Malik Willis exploded onto the fantasy football scene with one of the most unexpected performances of Week 17. Against Baltimore, Willis completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while adding 60 rushing yards and two rushing scores, finishing with over 31 fantasy points. His dual-threat skill set was on full display, showcasing the upside he brings when given a starting role.
Willis did re-aggravate his shoulder late in the game, making his Week 18 status uncertain. However, with Green Bay locked into its playoff seed, the Packers may opt to rest Jordan Love regardless, opening the door for Willis to start again. That said, the matchup against Minnesota is difficult, as the Vikings have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Even in a tough matchup, Willis’ rushing upside keeps him firmly on the fantasy radar. For managers chasing ceiling over floor, Willis is a high-risk, high-reward waiver wire add. If he starts and is fully healthy, his legs alone give him the potential to outproduce safer streaming options.
Dylan Sampson, RB (CLE)
Rostered: 29%
Dylan Sampson continues to carve out a meaningful role in Cleveland’s backfield, keeping him relevant on the waiver wire. While Raheim Sanders technically started in Week 17, Sampson led the Browns in total touches, finishing with 14 opportunities. Though he struggled with rushing efficiency, Sampson’s value lies in his pass-catching ability, making him particularly appealing in PPR formats.
With Quinshon Judkins sidelined, Cleveland appears committed to splitting work between Sampson and Sanders, but Sampson has consistently held a slight edge in usage. He now draws a Week 18 matchup against Cincinnati, the most favorable defense for opposing running backs this season. The Bengals have allowed consistent production on the ground and through the air, making this a prime spot for Sampson to rebound.
Although the game holds no playoff implications, Sampson will be motivated to finish strong as he competes for future opportunities. Fantasy managers should view him as a flex-level waiver wire add with upside, particularly in PPR leagues. His receiving role and favorable matchup give him sneaky value in championship week.
Cincinnati Bengals, DEF
Rostered: 17%
The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has undergone a remarkable turnaround, making them a viable waiver wire streaming option in fantasy football. While season-long numbers paint them as one of the league’s worst fantasy defenses, recent performance tells a very different story. Since Week 12, Cincinnati ranks top-six in run defense EPA and has become the NFL’s best third-down defense, a massive improvement from its historically poor start.
This surge in efficiency coincides with better complementary football from the offense, allowing the defense to play more aggressively. Over the last six games, the Bengals rank 13th in total EPA allowed per play, a stark contrast to their league-worst mark earlier in the season. They now face a Browns offense that ranks 31st in points per game and has struggled mightily with turnovers, sacks, and quarterback play.
With Shedeur Sanders throwing seven interceptions over the past three weeks, the Bengals’ defense carries real turnover upside. Fantasy managers streaming defenses should strongly consider Cincinnati as a waiver wire add. Their recent form, combined with a favorable matchup, gives them sneaky top-10 potential in Week 18.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Cam Ward QB (TEN) – 8% rostered
- Blake Corum RB (LAR) – 46% rostered
- Devin Singletary RB (NYG) – 23% rostered
- Colby Parkinson TE (LAR) – 25% rostered
- Jake Tonges TE (SF) – 9% rostered
- Minnesota Vikings DEF – 43% rostered
- Kansas City Chiefs DEF – 30% rostered
- Eddy Pineiro K (SF) – 30% rostered
